Sony has officially announced the game, but the press release is clearly the same one leaked earlier. Here’s the full quote though, from series creator Kazunori Yamauchi, which depending on how you read it may imply the game is also eventually coming to PlayStation 4.

‘It is amazing to think that it is 15 years since we first released Gran Turismo. Things have changed a lot since then and now Gran Turismo 6 is a further evolution of my dream. We’re pleased to deliver GT6 to PlayStation 3 as we have a very loyal community on that platform. However, we have refactored the game to make it very flexible and expandable, with a view to making many future developments.

I am very pleased with everything about the new game and the new additions, but the launch will be only the beginning for GT6. The game will continue to develop throughout its life. I already have many ideas for things I want to achieve in the next 15 years of Gran Turismo!’

Original story:

A mix-up with a press release has seen Sony accidentally confirm that the new entry in their real driving simulator will be out this year.

The problem occurred with Sony’s South African branch, which sent out press releases to local websites but forgot to mention there was meant to be an embargo.

Some of the sites have taken the information back down but iafrica.com has left its article up, although the information is still relatively limited.

‘GT6 for PlayStation 3 will bring new levels of authenticity to ‘the Real Driving Simulator’ as well as introducing stunning new tracks and cars and a revised user interface,’ says the press release.

‘A new compact game engine will improve operation and increase the flexibility to expand it with downloadable content.’

Gran Turismo 6 will feature all the cars and tracks from the last game and with new additions as well it will be able to boast 1,200 vehicles at launch. Several thousands parts and custom wheels will also be included.

The number of locations will rise to 33 – including Silverstone – and there will be 71 different circuit layouts, an increase of 19 on Gran Turismo 5.

The new game will feature connectivity with smartphones and tablets, although oddly the website makes no mention of the PS Vita.

We’ll have more information when the embargo officially breaks, but what’s very strange is that there doesn’t seem to be any mention of the PlayStation 4.

If the game’s being released this Christmas that will be at exactly the same time as Sony’s new console, which seems very odd timing. Although it may simply be a result of developer Polyphony Digital’s infamously long development process, with this simply being the earliest they could get it done.